While a few states have legalized recreational marijuana and another few are well on their way to legalization, there are three states that could be the last to legalize. These three states all have key components in common which inhibit the governments from legalization. Following are the three states along with High Above Seattle’s best-informed guesses for why the states fall into the last-to-legalize category.

Idaho

High Above Seattle recently investigated why this particular state will likely be one of the last three to legalize. The police system in Idaho seems to believe that Washington and Oregon, the state’s bordering neighbors, made the wrong decision when they legalized marijuana. One individual who works in Idaho’s prison system believes that his state will be the last to legalize because of its conservative stance on many issues, including pot.

There are some who believe that even in the midst of federal legalization, Idaho will pass its own laws which will keep marijuana illegal. Idaho passed a resolution making marijuana reform illegal, which may put the state as the very last in the country to legalize, years after the second-to-last.

Louisiana

Louisiana has some of the country’s harshest marijuana laws. If you possess marijuana on your person and have a previous felony, there is a strong likelihood that you will be sentenced to prison for life. If you are caught with marijuana on your person a couple times in a row, you will likely spend up to 20 years in prison.

However, in hopes that the state will not be the very last to legalize, there is a possibility that marijuana legalization will be put to a statewide vote late next year. This would be a huge step for the state, as this ballot would protect anyone over the age of 21 from criminal charges for possessing or purchasing marijuana. Keep your eyes on Louisiana during the next presidential election as its people vote and the state attempts to relieve itself of its current legalization ranking.

Kansas

Currently, possessing marijuana in Kansas may result in some hefty fines. Those who are caught with any amount of marijuana on their person may face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine. If a person has a second offense for possession, they may be convicted of a felony and face three and half years in prison, as well as a possible $100,000 fine (yes, all of those zeros are correct!).

The majority of Kansas voters believe that medical marijuana should be legal in the state. However, the Kansas legislature disagrees. Two legislature members recently introduced bills that would allow those who are ill access to medical marijuana in Kansas; both bills were shot down during the session. Even with overwhelming support from its citizens, Kansas refuses to budge on its legalization stance.

There is a possibility that marijuana becomes federally legal, in which case numerous states will follow the newly introduced federal regulations. My best guess puts Louisiana third to last, Kansas second, and Idaho last. However, even with valuable education about marijuana and its healing properties, only time will tell how long country-wide legalization will take.

Which states do you feel belong on this list? Let us know which states you would like to see addressed for a future legalization article and we are happy to feature them!

Winterlife Cannabis has been on my edible’s radar for quite some time. Especially since, the company produces vegan, organic when possible, locally crafted edibles.

I originally intended to try one of the company’s cookies, which come with fun names and flavorful ingredients. However, I had had way more sugar than I normally do in the days leading up to my review, so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that Uncle Ike’s Pot Shop in Capitol Hill was out of Winterlife Cannabis cookies but had three different flavors of infused almonds in stock. After a budtender’s recommendation, I decided to purchase a 10mg package of Grizzly’s Heavenly Garden Herb almonds.

Incredibly satisfied with my purchase, I caught the bus home. I had a date planned that night to go see Jurrasic World with my fiance and was excited to face an island of dinosaurs with a pleasant buzz and Sour Patch Kids. I think it is important to note that, prior to these almonds, the last time I consumed edibles was in college–in Kansas–where marijuana is still illegal and most people do not portion cannabis properly when preparing edibles. I was hesitant about becoming too high since I completely overdid it during my last experience and I am not positive about my tolerance level. In lieu of this, I ate four almonds and waited. After no effect, I decided to eat a little over half the pack.

The high hit me right when the movie started. I became one with my chair and was immediately immersed in the movie. I was heavily invested from the start, and the almonds are to credit for that (I am not one to pay close attention to movies). When the climax of the film surfaced I was wide-eyed and grinning like a goon. Also, kudos to the movie for tastefully tying into Jurrasic Park; the nostalgia was a wonderful addition.

My favorite part of the high was my hyper focus mixed with comfortable body relaxation. I mean, I could not have been more thrilled and calm at the same time about a T-Rex-hybrid-beast-thing screaming in my face. The almonds are classified as a hybrid and definitely induce the best of both worlds. I would say that the blend that I ate was more Indica heavy since the body relaxation was more prominent than any mental enhancement. On top of my great movie experience, that night was also some of the best sleep I have had in a long time, which solidified my devotion to Winterlife Cannabis’ wonderful almonds.

A little review about the almonds themselves: the seasoning on the garden herb variety is absolutely delicious. Each almond is covered and flavorful. The almonds were very fresh and snapped when bit into. The seasoning did not leave any residue on my fingers which I was delightfully impressed by. I enjoyed them so much that I plan on adopting them into my blossoming edible consumption.

If you have yet to see Jurrasic World, I highly recommend enjoying some Winterlife Cannabis almonds before the show. They are a wonderful accompaniment to an island full of Jurassic-era beasts and two hours of staring at the beautiful Chris Pratt. Seriously.

Let us know if you went to see this new thriller armed with some edibles. We would love to hear about your experience!